Latest Articles by Curtis Reddehase

Blogging to Connect

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500

As a real estate company in a high-tech city we know why we need to blog. We also learned that we need to do it regularly and do it well. It seems that the current trend with blogging is to do it often to generate a great deal of content for a website on the same topic. I see many blogs that do not offer real meat on the topics people want. The problem I find with many real estate blogs is that they seem to be a catalog of information that does not get in front of the consumer when it is most relevant to that person’s search.

We are working on that very issue. We are having agents post blogs on the topics and areas they like to write about. The first thing this does is allow the real estate agent to write about what they actually know, as opposed to trying to post on topics they do not know or like. When a post shows up on our blog, we find the most relevant page to put the post on. In an area like ours where there are many small towns, people want information about an area from someone who actually knows it. This is the need we are filling. This experiment has been in place for a couple of weeks now and we are starting to see results. When people did not find the information on a static page for the area, they leave our site and go elsewhere. Now these same people are going to the individual agent’s sites and doing their searches there. What we realized is that the company site could not offer the level of confidence that an individual could give a prospective client, so we are using the company website to catapult the agent’s websites into the markets they know. Our concern is not whether or not our company site connects with the prospects and clients, but whether or nor not our agents web sites do. We now know the same prospective client has, by default, been routed to the most qualified real estate agent to help them via the agent’s blog on the company site.

It is a new concept; we understand that. The issue we are trying to overcome is the fact that an overwhelming majority of visitors never even log in to our website. We feel that it is due to the lack of a personal connection. We started this project about three weeks ago with our agents and have now invited select professionals that we rely on, such as title companies, lenders, and home inspectors to participate. We are doing this so that our prospects will be comfortable with what we know, who we know, and how we get our information. To summarize this experiment, we are allowing our company website to reflect the knowledge and relationship of our agents and associates. I guess you could say that our website is like a small forum of real estate professionals we work with. No one pays for this, and the idea is that the information we provide our prospects and clients is objective. If all of this confusing to you, please take a minute and surf our website to see how the pages on certain areas offer recent information posted by agents and other professionals in our business.

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The author of this blog owns a real estate company in Austin Texas. http://skyrealtyaustin.com The prime directive of the office is to help agents connect with consumers for the market the agents know best. http://www.skyrealtyaustin.com/selling.php

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

“Mulligan” for Buyer’s in Real Estate

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

With high hopes, the golfer lined up his tee shot on the first hole, then took a mighty swing. To his dismay, the ball headed into the woods to the right of the fairway and possibly out of bounds. Immediately he said, “I’m hitting a Mulligan!” Teeing up another ball, he aimed down the fairway and swung again. This second ball landed in the fairway. He treated the first shot as if it never happened, and did not count it in his score. He thought, “If only I could hit a Mulligan more than once a round!”

The Mulligan is chance to replace a bad shot by hitting another. When the second shot is better, that is a good deal! The problem with the Mulligan is that it is not sanctioned in the Rules of Golf.

Looked at differently, the Mulligan is the opportunity to start over. In life it is sometimes called a “do-over.” Have you ever set some event into motion and wished later that you could play a Mulligan? I have many times!

In buying real estate, does a potential home buyer ever get a “Mulligan,” that chance to start over? Let’s say that that you contract to buy a home, but get cold feet. Or you find a home you like better. Or the property inspection reveals too many problems. Or you and the seller cannot agree on repairs? What can you do?

Texas law actually provides for a buyer’s “Mulligan.” What is commonly called an Option Period is outlined in paragraph 23 of the One to Four Family Residential Contracts (Resale). In making an offer to purchase a property, you can ask the seller to grant you a “termination option” that gives you, for nominal cost, a period of time (routinely 7-10 days) to have the home inspected, negotiate any repairs with the seller, and do other property investigations. If the seller agrees, you will have a “Mulligan!”

But what option does this actually give you? Literally, the “Seller grants the Buyer the unrestricted right to terminate this contract by giving notice of termination to Seller within __ days after the effective date of this contract.” (The option fee and the length of the option period are specified in the contract.) You can opt out of the contract (terminate it) for any reason, and start over. I worked with a buyer who took two “Mulligans.” He terminated one contract because of poor inspection results, and another because he found a property he liked better. He finally bought the third.

If you are a home buyer, you will want this buyer’s “Mulligan” provision in your purchase contract. Just be sure of two things: (1) that the option fee is delivered to the seller within two days of the starting date of the contract, or you will have no option period, and (2) that a notice of termination is delivered to the seller before the end of your option period. (Note: See the contract for how your option fee and earnest money are handled.)

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Sky Realty Austin is the company to call when buying a home. We wish you the very best in your venture to buy or sell your next home, http://www.skyrealtyaustin.com/Crystal-Falls.php

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

A Lakeway Treasure…..Lakeway Resort and Spa

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500

If you have ever go driving on a Saturday or Sunday you need to pay a visit to a well known place that is taking Lakeway by storm. It has been updated completely with the state of the arts finish out on every room. Some would say it is the rebirth of a legend at the end of Lakeway drive. It is situated on the south east shores of Lake Travis in Lakeway, TX. It is 30 minutes from downtown Austin and 40 minutes from the Bergstrom Airport. If you are your own pilot, Lakeway has its own small engine airport which is about five minutes from the spa. So you could literally fly in on Friday stay two days and Fly out on a Sunday and never need a car. The Lakeway Resort and Spa has it all! I have had the privilege of working with the staff in putting together an event for 200 people and I got rave reviews that the place was fabulous. The Resort has a 180 degrees view of Lake Travis from their 5200 sq. ft. glass ballroom. The Resort also features newly remodeled guest rooms, spa, new concept restaurant, and new meeting rooms with dramatic views of the lake. The new Lakeway Resort and Spa is an ideal destination to come and experience life at the Lake. It has 168 newly remodeled guest rooms and 16 meeting rooms, not to mention the over abundance of amenities like fine dining, 3 level swimming pool with hot tube and a kiddy pool with water sports for the families, Come enjoy a day in the sun and rent a cabana next to the pool and watch the kids have tons of fun. A golf course, fitness room, tennis courts, business center, dry cleaners onsite, walking trails, spa and internet service are a few of the onsite amenities. A walk away is the Lakeway Marina where you can rent boats, wave runners, and dock space for the adventurous side. Romance is in the air once you enter the SanSaba Spa as a couple. It is designed for your relaxation and enjoyment. A typical package may include white chocolate soufflé body wrap, a 50 minute message in a private couple’s room, and two complimentary glasses of wine and topped off with chocolate covered strawberries. Now this is my kind of spa. You could come to Lakeway Resort and Spa with your family and have a mini vacation right in your own cities backyard. I have visited several times and every time it gets better, so when I have clients that want something out of the ordinary stay from a hotel, I book them a room at the Lakeway Resort and Spa. What a great place to stay and enjoy Texas at its finest for anyone from another state. Every realtor needs a driving story while showing clients. Here is an outline brief history of the Lakeway Resort and Spa to fill in those awkward deadly silent spots while in your car going to the next home to view. 1963: The original Lakeway Inn was built by a group of investors and developers from Houston to provide a “watering hole” for residents of Lakeway, a new Hill Country retirement community. The Lakeway Yacht Club was chartered, and legendary General Manager Pierre Caselli turned the Lakeway Inn into the center of the new and growing Lakeway community. 1964: More guest rooms were added as word spread that Lakeway Inn was also a great place for weekend stays and golf outings. An idea meeting destination due to its equal distances from Houston and Dallas, Lakeway added meeting rooms to accommodate demand. 1971: Dallas developer and entrepreneur Bob Alpert bought the entire Lakeway project with a vision to expand and develop the community into Texas’ most prestigious resort community. His master-planned community called for additional tracts of land, more golf courses, expanded marina, shops and businesses, houses of worship, and more. 1972: Bob Alpert partnered with the Hunt family of Dallas and the World Championship Tennis organization to develop the World of Tennis Resort, a tennis complex with clubhouse, indoor and outdoor courts and 106 tennis townhouses. 1974: CBS Tennis Classic is held at the Lakeway World of Tennis 1985: Alpert sold Lakeway Inn to the partnership of Rothschild Property Investors, Inc. and Dolce International, with Dolce as management. A two-year renovation was launched. 1987: In a grand opening celebration, the newly renovated Lakeway Inn was showcased to residents, customers, VIPs and press. The Austin Room was introduced as a new meeting venue for the expanding conference business. 1996: Lend Lease, a real estate investment group from Chicago, bought Lakeway Inn from Rothschild and embarked on an extensive expansion program, adding the six-floor tower overlooking Lake Travis. 2000: The grand opening of the tower and renovated Inn was held for residents, customers, VIPs and press. 2002: Lend Lease sold the property. During the next two years, a series of caretakers managed the property until a permanent owner with a new vision for Lakeway was found. 2005: A metamorphosis gradually overtook the Lakeway community, as young couples and families began purchasing many of the homes. No longer considered a retirement community, Lakeway became a highly desirable area of Austin. Behringer Harvard Funds of Dallas purchased Lakeway Inn and brought Dolce International back as management. The inn was renamed Lakeway Resort & Spa and an extensive redevelopment program was announced to include a new spa, ballroom, meeting space, swimming pools, room renovation and the addition of luxury villas. 2007: The redevelopment of Lakeway Resort & Spa is completed. SanSaba Spa opens and the glass-enclosed ballroom becomes one of the hottest locations in Austin for weddings and parties. Luxury shoreline villas sell quickly and the resort shines with its original luster and vibrancy. Enjoy Lakeway as if the whole town where a resort.

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The author manages a company that specializes in Austin area real estate, and a team that has a focus on Lake Travis waterfront

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Soth Congress is Now SoCo

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Not long ago, Austin's vibrant, creative and hip neighborhood known as SoCo was a little sleazy, a place where businesses had slumped and a couple of motels rented rooms by the hour. Now those restored South Congress motels are likely to be renting rooms to high tech execs and movie stars.

The broad avenue is lined with apartments, condos, lofts, plus boutiques, funky-fun stores, restaurants, neighborhood bars and coffee shops. A few longtime businesses survived South Congress’ transition from slump to vibrant-hip neighborhood; One being the popular Austin 24 hour Magnolia Café.

One of the most famous SoCo landmarks on the avenue is the Continental Club, where many top musical acts have launched their careers. The old St. Vincent de Paul thrift shop remains and avenue bargain hunting has been given a boost by shops like Uncommon Objects which busts at the seams with recycled Junque and Kitsch. First Thursday is not just a day on the monthly calendar in SoCo, it marks a local tradition when shops stay open late, playing host to an array of events and activities on the avenue.

Austin's past is being preserved and even redefined in SoCo. So, for breakfast, South Congress residents can head to El Sol y La Luna, the wonderful patio cafe adjacent to the Austin Motel on the avenue where Julia Roberts has been sighted on occasion.

New developments along the northern border near the Texas School for the Deaf have brought in well-known national names like Starbucks, but, with the creative persistence that marks life in Austin, homegrown businesses, like Jo's Coffee, have burst onto the scene and become instant local landmarks by immersing themselves in the neighborhood. In Jo's case that means sponsoring fashion shows featuring South Congress designers and summer movies in the parking lot.

A few familiar faces have been driven away by high business rents, but others like Fran's drive-in hamburger joint have hung on and are now part of the restaurant mix with places like Vespaio, noted for its antipasto bar, and its sister cafe, Enoteca. Residents of South Congress apartments can dine upscale or down in SoCo, pizza by the slice, sushi, veggies to go, or three course dinners with vintage wine.

Same goes for shopping. South Congress was a haven for retro clothing before it became SoCo. Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds and Electric Ladyland is where Bob Dylan is rumored to have shopped for retro outfits. New Bohemia is another retro spot for clothes and home furnishings, plus there are new boutiques including Blackmail, for all things black, and Vivid, for all things... well vivid.

Music and movie stars present and future are not the only big names to shop in SoCo. The El Presidente taco and tamale plate at Guero's is named in honor of President Bill Clinton who occasionally stops in at the popular top of Congress Avenue restaurant. SoCo is not a star-gazing neighborhood, but rather one that attracts residents and visitors because it just captures the Austin vibe.

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Austin real estate seems to be doing relatively well in today’s market. Austin Real Estate Videos are helping agents gain exposure of their inventory.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Florence Texas Area

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Florence, Texas is a small town located 30+ miles northwest of Austin on Farm Road 195, west of 35 in Williamson County, in the Austin-Round Rock metro area. The closest cities are Georgetown (13 miles), Andice, Briggs, Liberty Hill, Ding Dong, Jarrell & Salado. The military town of Killeen is approx. 13 miles away in Bell County. A 340 square mile installation (217,337 acres), Fort Hood is the only post in the United States capable of stationing and training two Armored Divisions. Fort Hood is "The Army's Premier Installation to train and deploy heavy forces." Many military people choose Florence as a town near Killeen yet on the way to Austin. Settled in the early 1850s, it was originally known as Brooksville. It became known as Florence by 1857, when the first post office was established. Many turn of the century old homes and downtown buildings survive and provide much architectural interest. The estimated population, in 2003, was 1,110. Water is provided by Chisholm Trail Special Utility District located at 851 FM 970 Florence, Texas 76527. The Florence Independent School District has ratings of recognized and acceptable. Florence ISD is sought after because it is small and therefore provides some opportunities perhaps not seen in large districts. Stone quarries abound in the area yielding great products at great prices. The architectural stone specialists at Continental Cut Stone on County Road 219 in Florence cut stone from Leuders, Texas into many architectural home components.

Transportation: The new 1 30 Toll Road begins just off 195 east of Florence. Currently, 1 30 extends all the way to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The new 1 30 Toll Road is slated to go all the way to Seguin, Texas. The Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport is located in Killeen, Texas, adjacent to Fort Hood, and offers direct, non-stop air access to Dallas / Fort Worth, Houston and Atlanta airports.

Restaurants: The old Andice General Store on FM 970 (6500 FM 970), east of 183 and south of Florence is a fun place for burgers, baskets & sandwiches. Quaint looking with its old wood plank floors it is also a gas station and convenience store (254) 793-3971. Andice General Store has a great collection of hard to find glass bottled soft drinks- blue cream soda, Big Red, several root beers, etc. Of note too is the Andice Post Office, which looks like a lil’ old house (it is). There is a seasonal Farmer’s Market across from the Andice General Store.

On 195 just east of Florence, between IH 35 & Florence (12061 State Highway 195) is D Boone's Country Store. D Boone’s offers great down home eating- pot roast, fried okra, hand-breaded livers & gizzards (254) 793-2110. In town on 195 are Mano’s Mexican Food (103 N Patterson Ave., aka 195) (254) 793-3870 and the newly remodeled El Charrito Mexican Restaurant (100 E Bennet St) 254-793-3127. Charrito faces the Post Office on Bennet but it also is really on 195 or N. Patterson.

The Rattlesnake Inn at 6060 Hwy 195 is Williamson County’s oldest Honky Tonk. Its inception was the day after Prohibition was lifted in 1933. (254) 793-9439

The Vineyard at Florence is a New Planned Development In Florence. It will feature a winery, estate homesites, rental casitas, a spa, farmer’s market, equestrian center, a polo field and much more. The Covered Riding Arena has been built. Paid self care or paid full board will be available at the central stable but homeowners are welcome to build their own. The tasting villa, Villa Firenze, is being built and includes a tasting room, a wine club/Reserve Room, a Hearth Room, a Gourmet Kitchen, a Cafe and Spa. In addition, they are building the pool and amenity center, riding and walking trails, and our roads. Two custom homes being built right now. All of the building should be complete by August ’08 and the road system should be finished much sooner. Planted last spring, the 30 acre (13,000 vine) vineyard is established. There will be white grapes this year and reds in ‘09. A new home for sale in The Vineyard at Florence is currently listed for $1,119,500. for a 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath, 3 car garage new home with 4,329 square feet on 2.34 acres. in this highly restricted equestrian community.

Parrie Haynes is a nearby 4,525-acre Texas Parks and Wildlife ranch one hour north of Austin, and 13 miles south of Killeen. The miles and miles of equestrian trails make it a great place to ride. Sixteen camp sites have 30-amp electrical and water hookup sites and include a double set of pens. The clubhouse has a commercial kitchen, tables with seating for 50 people, an indoor meeting room and covered patio. The Cowboy Cabin has a bunk bed, small kitchen, refrigerator, AC and horse pens. I have ridden there many times and LOVE it!! Just go through Florence heading west on 195, cross the Lampasas River, then turn left on FM 2670 at the blue "Parrie Haynes Youth Ranch" sign. Go 3.7 miles and take right on Maxdale Road; the main entrance is the first left onto Gann Branch Rd. Fun to say you passed through “Ding Dong”, a VERY small town in Texas on the Lampasas River on 195 eight miles south of Killeen in southwestern Bell County between Florence & Killeen.

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Terravista real estate

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Toll Roads in Austin Texas

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600

It is no surprise that there has been constant criticism and some confusion regarding the installation and purpose of the new toll roads SH 45, 183 A and TR 130. Although, most people don't like change, these toll roads are imperative to the growth and traffic control in Austin and surrounding cities such as Round Rock, Pflugerville, Hutto, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander and more. In and around the country, real estate and home prices have declined but that is not the case in the Central Texas Austin area. Here the housing market is steady and home prices have increased 8.62% over a 12 month period which ended in October. Austin's median home price rose 3% to $180,000 according to the Austin Board of Realtors. Even though there are over 10,000 listings, there is still movement and that institutes more traffic and the need for more roads. According to economist Ray Perryman, CEO of the Perryman Group, he states that our economy will stay strong and predicts the Texas economy to grow approximately 4 percent with an addition of 200,000 jobs. More growth, more people on the road. Of course that is why we needed the toll roads to ease the pain.

Because of the new roads, surrounding cities are booming with new communities, abundant shopping and commercial growth. Recently, Toll Rd 130 opened all the way to Hwy 71 giving access to the Austin-Bergstom International Airport. So, basically you can get on in Georgetown, TX, north of Austin and end up eventually in Sequin which is south of Austin near San Antonio. The growth comes because drivers using 130. SH 45 and 183A (instead of the over crowed IH35), will need gas, lodging, shopping, grocery stores, housing etc. This corridor is exploding at an alarming rate.

By city, here are some of the effects the toll road will have or has had:

GEORGETOWN, TX
IH 35 and Toll 130 connect just 1 mile north of Georgetown, hence major intersection which could lead to multiple commercial, employment centers and retail developments. With that said, it could lead to many companies moving their operations because of ease of traveling up and down these two major highways and the ability to transport product. Especially since the airport is now only 35 minutes away. Georgetown is in the process of building a new high school which sits on 130 acres, sq. footage of the project is 235,500. In addition, Georgetown has added a Premier Outlet Mall, Wolf Ranch shopping center, a new proposed 73 acre retail center and more is in the planning. Along with Sun City, 3 major neighborhoods are planned building upwards of 2,000 homes or more.

HUTTO, TX
Hutto is one of the fastest growing towns in Central Texas located on Toll 130. Once a one light town, this once little town is busting at the seams. Lowes and Home Depot are already there, so you know someone has done the demographic studies. Multiple restaurants have bought into the anchor stores and more are expected to be added. Hutto's first hotel, which is an amazing sight and a proposed Target with additional shopping, is expected in 2008. One definite project off Toll 130 is a 466-acre mixed -use development named the Crossings of Carmel Creek, also expected to break ground in 2008. The growth in Hutto is also due to excellent schools, of which they have added many and very affordable housing.

ROUND ROCK, TX
Because there is no infrastructure set yet, there are no development projects in the planned stage, but you can be sure things are underway. While planners and land sellers are talking, there are many decisions that the city council and other parties will have to make to get proper zoning. It is said that just like Georgetown and Hutto, Round Rock's leaders are looking for ways to generate business-type uses and commercial projects to skirt the toll roads and outer limits of the city. Round Rock has done many things right in the past, especially when they attracted Dell Computers, Dell Diamond (4 A baseball arena), a water park in Old Settler's Park, La Fronterra, IKEA, Scott & White Hospital, Seton Hospital, Texas State University Campus, Premier Outlet Malls and many other corporations to support Dell and existing companies. Round Rock currently has almost 100,000 residents

PFLUGERVILLE, TX
Pflugerville is taking a very aggressive stance for business opportunities. They have already put water, wastewater, streets and utilities in place predicting the growth to come. The Council approved a zoning ordinance that cuts through 3,000 acres that have been targeted for economic and business growth, thus adding to their current growth bank. Trey Fletcher, the city planning director, stated that employers were needed for sales tax dollars. Employers provide employees who buy homes and shop near their offices. Pflugerville has done their homework; they want new places to shop and work while keeping a sensible, clean design for the city. Pflugerville has created a great town with such key pre-planning. They had for years stifled growth, but within the last 5 - 7 years decided... we welcome change. They then started planning their community for the residents. They have added multiple parks, a man-made stocked fishing lake, several golf courses, a city park that rivals few. Anchor stores include: HEB, Wal-Mart, Ashley Furniture, Tinsel Town (entertainment) and many chain restaurants, these all add to the hustle and bustle of what is an up and coming desirable community to live and play.

Come ride the roads of Central Texas - you'll be glad you did.

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Having an Austin home is great fun and Round Rock is close enough to enjoy the city's activities.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Situated on 279 acres of land in the southwest corner of Austin, Texas surrounded by the neighborhood of Circle C Ranch is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Founded in 1982 as the National Wildflower Research Center and later renamed in honor of its founder former first lady, Lady Bird Johnson. The center was established to promote the preservation and use of native plants through education and example. More then 630 native plants and over 180 custom designed gardens inspire all who visit the grounds. Large oak trees and a tall stone cistern with an arching aqueduct that suggests it has been in place since long ago welcome visitors into the garden center. Along the entrance path to the gardens is the Wetlands Pond, home to native fish, bullfrogs, turtles and dragonflies. The pond serves as a tranquil resting spot throughout the changing seasons for visitors young and old. Water conservation is very important at the wildflower center so a rainwater collection system has been set in place. From approximately 17,000 square feet of roof top that cover the buildings throughout the grounds 25,000 gallon tanks hold the water run off. The system can store up to 68,500 gallons of rain water which is used to irrigate the land. A courtyard with a spring is at the center of the facility surrounded by the store, café and auditorium. To the left of the courtyard and past the café is a tall cistern overlook or observation tower. Climbing the stairs to the top on a clear day some say you can almost see all the way to San Antonio. All of the buildings and cisterns at the center are made from a variety of native Texas stone. A wide range of classes are offered in the spring and fall for young children as well as adults inspiring and educating students about the environment and natural beauty of native plants. An intern program even offers college credits.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the grounds on their own through a variety of exhibits in the gallery as well as signs along the walking paths that direct and identify native plants. Docents offer tours and lectures are given in the auditorium. Workshops vary greatly from watercolor painting and botanical drawing to medicinal plants and landscaping tips. A library of more then 2000 books and journals is an educational resource to area teachers although the materials cannot be checked out they are for use while the center is open. The library also houses a large collection of slides that can be rented out along with slide shows for purchase. The center is in full bloom in April, May and June and is the perfect setting for an evening wedding in fact the facility hosts approximately 80 weddings each year. Festivals and fairs are planned throughout the year along with seasonal events. Wild Ideas, the store is a great place to shop with its large selection of treasures for purchase items include colorful dishes, birdhouses, floral antique handbags, jewelry, natural food items, birdfeeders, books, clothing, music and much more. The Wildflower Café is open from 10 to 4 daily and offers a variety of salads, soups and sandwiches as well as desserts and beverages. The Center is supported partially by memberships and sponsors as well as through proceeds from the store, Wild Ideas, and facility rentals for conferences, meeting and weddings. A visit to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a gift you can give yourself again and again, take some time to visit this exceptional setting you won’t be disappointed.

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DefaultValue@ThisisdefaultValue.usersshouldfillininformation.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Austin A Way of Life

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600

If you asked Austinites what is special about their city, you would get a potpourri of answers. For those who like live music, Austin calls itself the “Live Music Capital of the World. There is more live music here than in New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago. In early spring, musicians and independent film makers come from all over the world to be a part of South by Southwest Music and Film Festival. The festival has gained international attention and is a fun place to see new talent as well as seasoned performers. Even if you miss getting a badge to the fifty stages for live music performances, you can still be part of the fun by walking around the downtown area and hearing the music wafting from the different clubs.

Austin is also known as “Silicon Hills” because of the many major technology corporations that have located here. Many new residents have moved here because of the job opportunities associated with these high-tech companies.

New arrivals to Austin have fun exploring the different areas of town. Just south of the River is called SoCo for South Congress. It is an eclectic collection of antique and artsy shops and places to eat and listen to music. It’s not unusual to see bumper stickers that promote ‘Keep Austin Weird’ in this part of town. The residents consist of politicians, old hippies, cowboys, bubbas, and tekkies. They all seem to get along just fine.

A little West is an area known as Barton Hills. Zilker Metropolitan Park is Austin’s most beloved park and is located here. It consists of 351 acres and offers a variety of recreational opportunities and family events. Barton Springs pool is a natural spring fed pool with a year round temperature of 68 degrees. It also contains the Zilker Botanical Gardens and Austin Nature and Science Center. Every spring kids of all ages gather for the Zilker Park Kite Festival. Zilker Park also has a miniature train ride and canoe rentals. There are also many hiking trails throughout the park. In the summer, the Zilker Hillside Theater hosts concerts ranging from Jazz to Country. Also, it is the site of the Zilker Summer Musical and Shakespeare in the Park. Pack a picnic dinner and bring a blanket to sit on the hillside and enjoy the show.

The Downtown District stretches from the Texas State Capitol to the Congress Avenue bridge. Each evening from March through November, you can watch a million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from beneath the bridge. It’s quite the social event every evening. You can watch from the Four Seasons Hotel or Shoreline Grill or join the crowd on and under the bridge.

Austin has a couple of campaigns, one for supporting local businesses and the other for keeping Austin beautiful. Don’t be caught throwing your trash on these streets. They mean it here when they say ‘Don’t Mess with Texas.’ Believe me when I tell you that it will cost you if you get caught.

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Living in the Austin Texas area can be fun and Avery Ranch is close enough to enjoy the city's activities.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

The Hollows on Lake Travis Tx

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600

When thinking about Lake Travis, near Austin, Tx, think The Hollows. The Hollows is a 1,400 acre point-of-destination situated in the pristine Texas Hill Country on Lake Travis between Devil's Hollow and Sandy Creek. There are many wonderful things to do on Lake Travis so when we get the chance to go somewhere to relax, my family heads to Lake Travis. We enjoy staying at The Hollows because they have a choice of Cottages or Casitas in which to stay. Both type homes are fully furnished and stocked with everything including a full kitchen.

In addition, we love to go boating and fishing. My family's favorite thing is to sail over to Carlos and Charlies for local music and good margaritas. It is just across the lake from Devil's Hollow, so it is a treat to boat over for dinner and drinks. There is lake accessibility and a marina to park overnight. In fact, The Hollow's marina won Marina of the Year 2006 by the Texas Marina Association. While talking to the marina personnel, there is soon to be a private ship's store and fueling station.

There is alot of history pertaining to this area. It was once a part of the Republic of Texas. It was all ranch land where wild mustangs roamed and cattle grazed. The Republic of Texas deeded the land to a Benjamin Levitt who served under Captain Sul Ross and Sam Houston in 1839. His family lived on the ranch form many, many years. In the 1800's, they expanded the ranch by purchasing 160 acres around Devil's Hollow for approximately $12. dollars.

At Lake Travis, especially the Jonestown and Lago Vista area (which are cute local villages)there are many beautiful vistas and canyons with knock-your-socks off views of the lake. The hill country is so spectacular with the multitude of Oak trees and natural landscaping. The wildlife is breathtaking with the white tailed deer and their spotted fawns, stoggy armadillos, possoms and thousands of native birds.

Back to the amenities at Lake Travis, at The Hollows, you can walk from the Casitas down to the beach club. It has a whirlpool, an infinity pool's edge that overlooks the lake and a zero entry pool. You can eat at the on-site Beach Club Grille or grill/cook yourselves in the owner's kitchen. The views from here are awe-inspiring. That explains why Christopher Cross wrote the song "Sailing" while on Lake Travis.

Further down 1431, there is another community called Point Venture which has many of the same amenities including townhomes you can rent and stay for the week or weekends. This is a more established destination point and features a golf course and a heli-pad.

Either resort offers a relaxing, quiet vacation full of fun and activities. There are some wonderful homes/casitas/cottages and tree laden lots for sale in these areas. One day we will be propping our feet up on the balcony overlooking the lake and asking what took us so long to get there.

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Lakeway

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Financing Gets Personal

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600

When you decide to purchase a home you will want to be pre-approved for a loan. It shows that you are qualified to buy a home. When you do this before looking for a home you can save yourself some time, energy and frustration. Pre-approval will help you determine how much home you can afford, what your investment will be (approximate down payment and closing cost) and an estimate of what your monthly payments including principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI) will be. Applying for a home or real estate loan can be an eye opening experience for many people. You will have to answer many, many questions about your financial, work and residential history. Even in today’s open society, where nearly all topics are open for discussion the topic of money is still very personal for most people. While it is okay to show off a bit most people will not say exactly what they make or what they may owe to even their closest friends or family members. This is exactly what you have to do when you discuss a loan with your lender. You don’t want any surprises when it comes time to close. All questions should be answered directly and honestly both from you and from your lender. There is more to the loan process than calling around and asking what the interest rate is. Don’t be intimidated when choosing a lender. They should be willing to discuss any questions you have. Ask the questions until you understand all of the answers. Are they a mortgage broker or a mortgage banker? How long have they been in business? Is the interest rate locked in and for how long? Finding and working with a lender you trust is very important. You will want a lender who will work with you and your real estate agent. A professional to help make sure your loan will close in a timely manner. This is a team effort. To help ensure that this process is smooth and efficient you will also need to be prepared to answer all manner of personal questions.
Most lenders will ask you for the last two years residence history. The previous addresses and length of time lived in each place. If you currently rent, they will want the landlords name and address for the last 12 months. Your lender will ask for your work history. They will want the names and dates of all employers for the last two years, the dates you worked and if there are gaps they want to know why. They will ask for all outstanding loans and credit cards. Have the creditors name, address and account number. Have the amount of your monthly payment, the total balance you owe and the months left to pay.
You will need the names and addresses for each financial institution that you may have a savings, checking, or an investment account with. Have the balance or value and the account number. If you currently own real estate you will need the property address, estimated market value, any outstanding loan balances and monthly payment (including insurance, taxes and HO dues). Rental income if it applies. You will need to list your personal property including life insurance, any automobiles and other personal property.

This is just a summary of some of the possible questions and information you will ask for or be required to give. There will probably be more as you go along with your house hunting and as the loan process progresses. Again don’t be intimidated. Lenders love to lend money they just want to know the risk. Answer the questions as honestly as you can. Trying to avoid a problem or not answering the question honestly will just cause more problems and delay or possibly cancel your loan. No one wants this to happen. The goal is to close the loan smoothly and on time.

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Buying or selling real estate in; Belterra Texas can still be fun. One must be careful to know the real estate market in the Austin TX area before purchasing a home.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com